US20040009845A1

US20040009845A1 - Balance and gait training board

Info

Publication number: US20040009845A1
Application number: US10/194,307
Authority: US
Inventors: Reginald Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-07-15
Filing date: 2002-07-15
Publication date: 2004-01-15
Also published as: US6929586B2

Abstract

A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system which includes a board having a right half section and left half section being symmetrical to each other, each half section having a longitudinal inner border and a longitudinal outer border; the longitudinal outer border having an upstanding wall with predetermined transverse spaced slots on its upper surface for securely positioning flippable hurdles; a board is formed when the longitudinal inner borders of the two half sections are aligned and integrally connected; wherein the board has spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on its upper surface with or without printed numeral values for the markings. A plurality of flippable hurdles are positioned and repositioned to adjust the stepping heights and stepping lengths. The two half sections forming the board are reversed and the balance beam is formed when the longitudinal outer borders of the two half sections are aligned and integrally connected. A preferred embodiment includes a transposable gait assessment mat with a grid pattern that fit securely on the board. Another embodiment includes a transposable uneven walking surface that fit securely on the board. Yet another preferred embodiment includes a transposable cushion that fit securely on the board.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of ambulatory devices for sensory integration, movement, positioning, exercise and play and more specifically to a Balance And Gait Training Board.

One of the most incapacitating aspects of numerous neurological and musculoskeletal disorders is the loss of the ability to ambulate. Posture, balance, and coordination are the three main mechanism for having the ability to move from place to place. When an individual's ability to walk with normal patterns is impaired, balance and gait training is one of the most constructive form of therapeutic active care. Balance and gait training can improve strength, fitness, flexibility and endurance.

Balance and gait training has been a very effective therapy for treating various conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, cervicobrachial syndromes, ankle and knee instability and osteoarthritis. Balance and gait training involves training the individual in proper foot position and aiding reflex balance responses, which are incorporated into a rehabilitation program.

The function of the toes, foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip, pelvis, torso, and upper extremities are the six major considerations of gait training. Effective monitoring of these functions using observational gait analysis usually involves standing alignment, walking (heel-strike, early stance, midstance, late stance and swing), walking up and down stairs, walking on even and uneven surfaces. Gait parameters, kinematics, and kinetics are three well known variables selected for analysis. Velocity, stride length, and cadence are commonly used for gait parameters analysis. Dorsiflexion during initial contact, maximum dorsiflexion in stance, and maximum plantarflexion in swing are commonly used for gait kinematics analysis. Peak power absorption, peak power generation are commonly for gait kinetics analysis.

Numerous therapeutic exercise and training devices are disclosed in the prior art. The following exemplary patents describes various types of these devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,960 discloses a therapeutic exercise apparatus comprising a flat platform and two parallel handrails with ladder steps or balance beam.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,201 discloses a balance beam comprising an elongate body having ends that lock in various positions which are selected by axially rotating the body and fixing the ends.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,121 discloses an interchangeable/adjustable hurdle having a collection of interchangeable parts.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,954 discloses a jumping training device comprising ladder-like elements.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,102 discloses foldable balance beam comprising a first and second beam portions.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 201,328, 5,536,222, 5,913,283 and 5,527,242 disclose exercise/training device comprising a base(s) and legs having a plurality of longitudinally spaced open slots/notches for positioning a rod.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a board that is adaptable to most existing parallel bar systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a board that allows for variable placements of hurdles whose height can be adjusted by merely flipping the hurdles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a board that easily converts to a safe, efficient and effective balance beam.

A further object of the invention is to provide a board that is simple and uncomplicated which can be use for roughly assessing step length, heel width, and forefoot angulations “at a glance”.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a board that supports a transposable uneven walking surface which makes walking more challenging for ambulatory patients and effectively enhance balance skills and leg strength.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a board that supports a transposable ambulation cushion, which also makes walking more challenging for ambulatory patients and effectively enhance balance skills and leg strength.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a board that is portable and adjustable suitable for physical therapy treatment in the home, as well as, in a clinic to provide a board that can used with a wide range of impairments and varied levels of severity affecting ambulation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a board that can be used for teaching and evaluating adults and children.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a gait assessment mat that is aids the examiner in determining actual measurements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a board that is easily transported and stored.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system comprising a board having a right half section and left half section being symmetrical to each other, each half section having a longitudinal inner border and a longitudinal outer border; said longitudinal outer border having an upstanding wall with predetermined transverse spaced slots on its upper surface for securely positioning flippable hurdles; wherein the longitudinal inner borders of the two half sections are aligned and integrally connected by coupling means to form the board; said board having spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on its upper surface; A plurality of flippable hurdles which can be positioned and repositioned to adjust the stepping heights and stepping lengths; and wherein said two half sections forming said board are reversed and said longitudinal outer borders of said two half sections are aligned and integrally connected by coupling means to form a balance beam. The invention further includes a transposable gait assessment mat, a transposable uneven walking surface and a transposable ambulation cushion that can be supported by the board. [0023]
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. [0024]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Balance and Gait Training Board with hurdles in the two inch position within an existing parallel bar system. [0025]
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the Balance and Gait Training Board without an existing parallel bar system. [0026]
FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the Balance Beam formed without an existing parallel bar system. [0027]
FIG. 2C is an plan view (photocopy) of the Balance and Gait Training Board within an existing parallel bar system. [0028]
FIG. 2D is an plan view (photocopy) of the Balance Beam formed within an existing parallel bar system. [0029]
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a hurdle in the two inch position. [0030]
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a hurdle in the six inch position. [0031]
FIG. 4A is a plan view (photocopy) of hurdles of in the two inch position in the embodiment of FIG. 1. [0032]
FIG. 4B is a plan view (photocopy) of a hurdle in the six inch position within an existing parallel bar system. [0033]
FIG. 4C is a plan view (photocopy) of a hurdle in the six inch position without an existing parallel bar system. [0034]
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of the gait assessment scale according to the present invention. [0035]
FIG. 5B is a plan view (photocopy) of the gait assessment pattern FIG. 5A with printed information. [0036]
FIG. 5C is a plan view (photocopy) of the gait assessment pattern according to the present invention. [0037]
FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram of the gait assessment mat with a grid pattern [0038]
FIG. 6 is schematic diagram illustrating the use of the gait assessment scale according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0039]
FIG. 7A is a plan view (photocopy) of the transposable uneven walking surface according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0040]
FIG. 7B is a plan view (photocopy) of the transposable uneven walking surface with hurdles in the six inch position according to the embodiments FIG. 4B and FIG. 7A. [0041]
FIG. 8A is a plan view (photocopy) of the transposable ambulation cushion with flap showing. [0042]
FIG. 8B is a plan view (photocopy) of the transposable ambulation cushion with flap tucked under the board according to the present invention. [0043]
FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the formation of the beam with pull and coupling structures according to the present invention. [0044]
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the formed beam structure with the pull and coupling structures according to the present invention. [0045]
FIG. 10 is a plan view (photocopy) of the Balance And Gait Training Board without an existing parallel bar system.[0046]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. [0047]
In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Balance and Gait Training Board (unitary board) [0048] 10, comprising an elongated rectangular platform having a right half section 11 and left half section 11 which are aligned and in conforming relation to each other. Each half section 11 has an upstanding wall 13 on its longitudinal outer border 14 a for engaging flippable ambulation hurdles 21. Each upper surface of half section 11 has symmetrical foot placement gait assessment pattern 12A. The board 10 may be made from any slip-resistant durable material such as wood. An example of such material for the board 10 is oak coated with a natural acrylic protective shield coating. The length of the board 10 may vary, for example, eight to ten feet is suitable and adapts well within existing parallel bar systems 50.
In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, two half sections [0049] 11 having a series of openings 15 which forms sockets for receiving a corresponding series of conforming members 16 when the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to one another at common planes 17 or at common planes 18. The conforming members 16 can be a dowel type pin or plug made of any suitable material such as wood, plastic or metal. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of a unitary board 10 when common planes 17 at inner borders 14 b of the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to one another. FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of a balance beam structure 25 when common planes 18 at outer borders 14 a of the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to one another. As can be seen in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, common planes 18 at outer borders 14 a of the two half sections 11 include the outer surfaces of upstanding walls 13. Pull structure and locking structures (not shown here, will be described in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B) are mounted on each of the four ends of the upstanding walls 13 of the two half sections 11. The upstanding walls 13 contains a correlating group of equally spaced apart slots 20 on its upper surface. The slots 20 are cut to a partial depth horizontally aligned lengthwise on the upstanding walls 13 for engaging the flippable hurdles 21 depicted in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. The slots 20 are typically about {fraction (5/16)} inches wide and about 1⅝ inches deep and spaced about 3 inches apart. Turning now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B wherein the preferred structure of hurdles 21 are illustrated. Each hurdle 21 is an unitary structure having a base portion 22 having curved edges and two flange portions 23 extending upward for a two inch stepping height and extending downward when flipped to adjust the stepping height to six inches. The hurdles 21 are made of durable materials such as polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC and the like.
An important feature of the invention is shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D. In FIG. 2C the two half sections [0050] 11 have been aligned and coupled to one another at common planes 17 to form the unitary board 10. In FIG. 2D the two half sections 11 have been reversed, aligned and coupled to one another at common planes 18 to form the balance beam structure 25. The two half sections 11 are aligned and integrally connected by a conforming member 16 and coupling means such as the pull and locking structure elucidated in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. In the present instance, the two half sections 11 are pulled together (aligned) or pulled apart with a free rotating strap-type structure 19 a. mounted on each end of the four upstanding wall 13 The two half sections 11 are coupled with cooperating locking structures 19 b. It is clear that any coupling structures can be used as long as they align and secure the two half sections 11 in closed position. In carrying out the invention, the balance beam structure 25 is generally 8 feet long 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches high. It is contemplated that the upper surface of the balance beam 25 can be covered, for example, with an anti-slip adhesive tape (not shown) to vary the surface texture. The balance beam structure 25 provides a safe efficient and effective surface for training in balance and coordination. The balance beam structure 25 can be used with or without an existing parallel bar system 50.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. [0051] 4A-FIG. 4C, common planes 17 of the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to form a unitary board 10 having upstanding walls 13 on its longitudinal outer borders 14 a. A plurality of ambulation hurdles 21 are positioned securely within predetermined transverse spaced slots 20 as shown in FIG. 4A. When the flange portions 23 of the hurdles 21 are extended upward the base portion 22 is faced downward. When the hurdles 21 are placed in slots 20, the bottom surface 24 of the base portion 22 rests on the platform surface, the height of the hurdles 21 are about two inches tall. Conversely, when the hurdles 21 are flipped upside down, as depicted in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, the flange portion 23 is extended downward and the base portion 22 faces upward. When the hurdles 21 are placed in slots 20 the bottom surface 24 of the base portion 22 extends upward, in this case the height of the hurdles 21 are about six inches tall. Additionally, the step length may be adjusted by simply varying the horizontal positions of the hurdles 21 on-upstanding walls 13. The hurdles 21 may be spaced equally or unequally apart. By way of illustration, for a normal walking step height of about two inches, seven hurdles 21 about two inches tall are spaced about fifteen inches apart (every fifth slot 20 after the first slot 20 on upstanding walls 13 on the longitudinal outer border 14 a of an eight foot board 10). Subsequently, the seven hurdles 21 are flipped upside down, for adjusting the stepping height from about 2 inches to about 6 inches tall, now useful for normal stair or step climbing. This aspect of the present invention also can be used with or without an existing parallel bar system 50.
To accomplish an important function of the invention, there is shown in FIGS. [0052] 5A-5C symmetrical foot placement gait assessment patterns 12A on the upper surface of the board 10 providing a simple and uncomplicated “at a glance” guide for roughly assessing step length, heel width, and forefoot angulations (foot angle). As depicted in FIG. 5A, the surface of board 10 has spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment which includes a longitudinal Y-axis extending the length of the board and a transverse x-axis bisecting the longitudinal axis having patterned indicia 26 and patterned indicia 27. Each patterned indicia 26 and 27 is configured to readily assist the examiner in a visible and objective gait analysis of a patient. Patterned indicia 26 defines a longitudinal Y-axis extending the length of and in the center of the board 10. The Y-axis is the seam portion of the right half section 11 and left half section 11 when they are aligned and coupled to one another. The patterned indicia in each half section 11 is a mirror image of the other. The patterned indicia 26 comprises a sequence of multiple line segments 28 and line segment 29 spaced three inches apart parallel to the transverse x-axis; the line sequence includes a pattern having three consecutive one inch lines 28 and one four inch line 29. Patterned indicia 26 is used to assess step length and width of walking base. The patterned indicia 27 defines a transverse x-axis having a plurality of line segments 30 bisecting the longitudinal y-axis. Line segments 30 are spaced one inch apart which proposes the twelve inch diameter of a circle 31. The circle 31 is created by twelve intersecting line segments 30 forming angles 32 of thirty degree radians. The patterned indicia 27 is used to assess foot angulations. The values of lines 28, 29 and 30 and the values produced by their relationship to each other is clearly defined. For enhanced ease of reading and evaluating the visual data observed by the examiner performing the gait assessment, lines 28, 29 and 30, as well as, the formed angles 32 can be color coded. It is considered a matter of preference, to have the numeral values printed directly on the surface of the board 10 as shown in FIG. 5B or not printed directly on the surface of board 10 as shown in FIG. 5C.
In keeping with the invention, a replica of the surface of [0053] board 10 depicted in FIG. 5B having printed numeral values can be produced and placed on the surface of the board 10 shown in FIG. 5C. The replica (not shown) is typically in the form of a mat having a thickness of one inch or less. The mat defines spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on its upper surface; the markings includes pattern indicia having a longitudinal axis extending the length of the mat and a transverse axis bisecting the longitudinal axis; the patterned indicia includes a sequence of multiple line segments spaced three inches apart parallel to the transverse axis; the line segment sequence including a pattern having three consecutive one inch lines and one four inch line; the patterned indicia further includes multiple line segments spaced one inch apart parallel to the longitudinal axis; the line segments forms a diameter for a circle created by twelve intersecting lines forming thirty degree angles; wherein the numeral value of each line segment and the numeral value of any geometric figure created by the line segments are printed on the surface of the mat.
For even a greater ease of reading and evaluating the visual data, a gait assessment mat [0054] 12B having a grid or checkerboard square pattern 12 a with a predetermined uniform dimension as depicted in FIG. 5D could be placed on the board 10. A suitable material for the mat would be a viscoelastic memory foam having a high density open cell. Isolating foams are known to respond to body weight and temperature. Impermanent indentation of the patient's foot placements 12 c resulting from the use of these foams would be of significant amplification in performing gait assessment. The squares 11 b could be four inches by four inches or smaller such as one inch by one inch. The stride length, step length and width of walking base (step or heel width) could easily be calculated by simply counting the squares at the foot contact points as shown in FIG. 5D. A simple goniometer, which is commonly used in all physical therapy clinics, can be used to measure the foot angle. The relationship of the gait assessment patterns 12A and 12B to gait assessment, also referred to as gait analysis, will be better understood following the diagram in FIG. 6. In gait assessment, a patient walks away from the examiner while being observed. A gait analysis should provide objective data that can be used to identify gait deviations and to devise a reasonable physical therapy treatment program. Distance and time are the two variable commonly included in assessing a patient's gait. The distance aspect includes various distance measurements such as “distance walked” (distance from first to last heel strike); “left stride length” (distance between two consecutive left heel strikes); “right stride length” (distance between two consecutive right heel strikes); “left step length” (distance between a right heel strike and the next consecutive left heel strike); “right step length” (distance between a left heel strike and the next consecutive right heel strike); “step length difference” (difference between right and left step lengths); “width of walking base” may also be referred to as “heel width” or “step width” (perpendicular distance between right and left heel strike); “left foot angle” (angle formed between a line bisecting the left foot and the line of progression); and “right foot angle” (angle formed between a line bisecting the right foot and the line of progression). It is obvious that the observed distance measurements are used as the basis for calculating the time aspect of gait analysis. Standard time measurements includes “elapsed time” (time from first heel to last heel strike); “walking velocity” (distance walked divided by elapsed time); and “cadence” (total number of steps taken divided by the elapsed time). Gait assessment is usually performed by focusing, evaluating and recording the actions of one foot and then concentrating and collecting data on the actions of the other foot. In like manner, as depicted in FIG. 6, by way of illustration, the gait assessment starts with the right foot 33 at the line of progression. The first right heel width distance (or right step width) is about five inches and angled about fifteen degrees; the second right heel width distance is about six inches and angled at fifteen degrees; the right step length is fifteen inches and the right stride length is thirty inches. Turning now to the left foot 34, starting at the line of progression, the first left step length is fifteen inches and angled at about forty-five degrees; the second left step length is twenty-two and a half inches and angled at forty-five degrees; and the left stride length is thirty-seven and a half inches.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show a transposable uneven walking surface [0055] 35 placed securely inside the unitary board 10 when common planes 17 of the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to one another. The uneven surface 35 can be any asymmetrical irregular unequal surface, for example, made from molded plastic material such as vacuum formed ABS plastics. The uneven surface 35 may simulate any walking or climbing surface such as rocks, bricks, ridges, gravel bumps and the like obstacles. The entire length of the uneven walking surface 35 may have the same appearance or have the appearance of multiple walking or climbing surfaces using various shapes and heights.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention a transposable ambulation cushion [0056] 36 shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. The cushion 36 provides another variation for making walking more challenging for ambulatory patients and effectively enhancing balance skills and leg strength. The cushion 36 can be placed inside the unitary board 10 when common planes 17 of the two half sections 11 are aligned and coupled to one another. The cushion 36 has an extended flap 37 attached horizontally to each end of the cushion 36. The flap 37 is used as a self retaining means to stabilize the cushion 36 to the board 10 by tucking the flap 37 under the board 10. The cushion 36 which may be a mat or pad is typically made of slip-resistant lightweight material about four inches thick.
Also in accordance with the invention and of importance, the Balance and Gait Training Board (unitary board) [0057] 10 can be used without the existing parallel bar system 50 as shown in FIG. 4C. By way of example, some patients need maximum assistance when standing or walking; for these patients, their physical therapy training program may begin within a parallel bar system for support, confidence and/or stability. As progress occurs, the patient is encouraged to stand and walk independent of the parallel bars. Further development of efficient and effective movement patterns of the patient necessitates higher-level gait activities, like walking up steps or stair climbing and/or walking on uneven surfaces without the aid of parallel bar systems as shown in FIG. 10.
In keeping with one of the principle objects of the invention, each of the half section [0058] 11 may be hinged laterally in the center to allow for folding into quarter sections 26 for example, for compact shipping and storage. The board 10 is portable and adjustable and easily transported and stored which makes it suitable for physical therapy treatment in the home, as well as, in a clinic.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0059]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system comprising:

a board having a right half section and left half section being symmetrical to each other, each half section having a longitudinal inner border and a longitudinal outer border; said longitudinal outer border having an upstanding wall with predetermined transverse spaced slots on its upper surface for securely positioning flippable hurdles; wherein the longitudinal inner borders of the two half sections are aligned and integrally connected by coupling means to form the board; said board having spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on its upper surface;

a plurality of flippable hurdles which can be positioned and repositioned to adjust the stepping heights and stepping lengths; and

wherein said two half sections forming said board are reversed and said longitudinal outer borders of said two half sections are aligned and integrally connected by coupling means to form a balance beam.

2. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flippable hurdles comprises unitary structures having a base portion having curved ends and having two flange portions extending upward for a two inch stepping height and extending downward for a six inch stepping height.

3. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said stepping heights are adjusted by flipping said hurdles from a two inch position to a six inch position and said stepping lengths are adjusted by repositioning said flippable hurdles horizontally on said longitudinal outer border upstanding walls.

5. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the coupling means comprises a series of openings which form sockets for receiving a corresponding series of conforming members on said longitudinal inner borders and said longitudinal outer borders of said two half sections; and a free rotating pull strap-type structure and a cooperating locking structure mounted on each of the four ends of said longitudinal outer borders upstanding walls of said two half sections.

6. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on said upper surface of said board is configured to readily assist the examiner in a visual and objective gait analysis of a patient, the markings including: a longitudinal axis extending the length of said board and a transverse axis bisecting said longitudinal axis; having patterned indicia in each half section as a mirror image of the other.

7. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the patterned indicia comprises a sequence of multiple line segments spaced three inches apart parallel to the transverse axis; said line segment sequence including a pattern having three consecutive one inch lines and one four inch line; the patterned indicia further include multiple line segments spaced one inch apart parallel to said longitudinal axis; said line segments forming a diameter for a circle created by twelve intersecting lines forming angles of thirty degree radians.

8. A Balance and Gait Training Board adaptable to fit within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a transposable uneven walking surface that fit securely on said board.

9. A Balance and Gait Training Board adaptable to fit within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said transposable uneven walking surface is formed by vacuum molding plastic to simulate the appearance of walking or climbing surfaces selected from rocks, bricks, gravel ridges and bumps.

10. A Balance and Gait Training Board adaptable to fit within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the transposable uneven walking surface simulate the appearance of multiple walking or climbing surfaces.

11. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a transposable ambulation cushion that fit securely on said board.

12. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said transposable ambulation has extended flaps attached horizontally to each end of cushion as a self retaining means to stabilize the cushion to said board.

13. A Balance and Gait Training Board adaptable to fit within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a gait assessment mat that fits on said board; said mat having a checkerboard square pattern having predetermined uniform dimensions used to calculate stride length, step length and width of walking base by counting the squares at the foot placements.

14. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said foot placements are impermanent indentations made on said mat.

15. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the mat is made of viscoelastic foam.

16. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a mat having, spaced intervals markings patterned for gait assessment on its upper surface; said markings includes: a longitudinal axis extending the length of the mat and a transverse axis bisecting the longitudinal axis; having patterned indicia including a sequence of multiple line segments spaced three inches apart parallel to the transverse axis; the line segment sequence including a pattern having three consecutive one inch lines and one four inch line; the patterned indicia further including multiple line segments spaced one inch apart parallel to said longitudinal axis; said line segments forming a diameter for a circle created by twelve intersecting lines forming thirty degree angles; wherein the value of each line segment and the value of any geometric figure created by the line segments are printed on the surface of said mat.

17. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the mat has a thickness of one inch or less.

18. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said board and said beam is used with a existing parallel bar system.

19. A Balance and Gait Training Board which adapts well within an existing parallel bar system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said board and said beam is used without an existing parallel bar system.